Locs season is here

NATURAL hair is magical. We can curl, coil, straighten, braid, twist, and loc it.

Locs have and will always be a beloved hairstyle and journey that people feel called to for many reasons.

Like other forms of natural hair, locs are versatile, offering up a wealth of style options.

Superstars like Jay Prayzah, Winky D and Felin Nandi continue to show how beautiful locs are.

There are five stages of the loc process: starter, budding, teen, mature, and rooted.

Altogether, the process can take between 18–24 months.

“Locs are very versatile and can be styled in so many different ways such as braids, twists, buns, cornrows, and even curls,” says loctitian Erinn Courtney.

“Extensions can be added to locks to make them longer — and locs can even be disguised in box braids.”

Check in with your specific loctician to ensure it’s okay to style your locs without disrupting the magic that is locing.

Frequently asked questions How long can you keep a loc’d hairstyle in? “It’s safe to keep a loc style for about four to six weeks,” Courtney says.“Anything longer than that will run the risk of having the locs start to loc together to create bigger locs —which may not be the desired result.”

What hairstyles are best with more mature

locks?

“When locs are more mature, that’s when you have the most freedom to do whatever style you want,” Courtney explains.

“I love a high ponytail or an updo, typically because more mature locs tend to be very long and you want something that will stay out of your face.” Can locs be started with relaxed hair?

This depends on the type of locs desired. To begin traditional locs, the hair must be free of chemicals; however, with Sisterlocs, relaxed hair can be locked as long as you have at least one to two inches of new growth.

How long does it take for relaxed hair to

loc?

Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from 10 months to two years to get to the maturest stage of locs. The process of hair locing and the process of these locs maturing are different.

What products can be use on my locs?

Locs are meant to be clean; many people feel that beeswax and other sticky, gooey products make the hair loc. That is not true, these products will only make your hair look unsightly and make the process take even longer.

Traditional locs can use a product that makes the locs stronger and shine, such as products that infuse moisture. Sisterlocs are all natural and only shampooing and moisturising are required for this process.

“How often should my locs be mainatained and groomed?”

Depending on the rate of hair growth, locs can be re-twisted or retightened every three to six weeks. Can you comb locs out if you no longer want

them?

Yes you can, especially if they are still starter locs, although it is a tedious process and can be very costly. Combing out is a bit easier on locs that have been properly cared for during their life, including regular shampooing and conditioning.

This is very important! If you decide to comb out your locs, it’s critical that you approach the process with much patience. However, It is recommended that you give careful consideration to your decision before beginning the locing process to avoid being faced with this decision. Useful tip

For temporary colour, hair paint wax will help you achieve a colorful look without the permanent commitment or potential hair damage.

— www.byrdie.com